The Implicit Career Search is a career exploration approach that applies a Hero's Journey motif to career planning based on two assumptions:

1. We each have something unique to contribute that can be defined as our Work Purpose.

​2. Each of us desperately desire to deliver that contribution and that can be achieved through a Strategic Career Plan.

ICS was originally developed with assistance from the late Dr. Will Schutz (Joy, The Human Element, FIRO Theory, etc.) in order to help answer the question that first entered my head at the age of seven: "How do we decide what our work is?"We concluded there are two parts to the answer: 1. Decide upon a contribution2. Learn how to make a living from that contributionWe then set about designing and honing a process, with the help of 768 clients over 48 workshops, to help others complete those two action steps. I am delighted to report that this simple approach to career planning is having a positive effect throughout the world in employment agencies, schools, non-profits, corporations, and with individuals from all walks of life who have chosen to design their lives to make a positive impact.

And to do that well requires a plan...

All ICS programs (workshops, coaching, etc.) cover these stages. The first five are designed to develop the Strategic Plan at Stage Six. Each of the first five stages are infinite in depth, they can never be fully completed. This means that the plan can always be improved upon. ​

I learned how to identify patterns that I keep repeating. Was taught tools to stop running on the hamster wheel. I learned that I have valuable strengths, skills and I learned how to operate from a place that is really me…I learned how to be happy.” Theresa Becker, workshop participant

Develop Your Bliss​Joseph Campbell coined the phrase "Follow your bliss" that is often misinterpreted as following your heart or passion or some thing else difficult to quantify. The Implicit Career Search challenges you to declare the purpose of your work. How will the world be better thanks to the work you do? This purpose should be achievable and measurable and that is where bliss comes from - the realization that you are contributing on your own terms.

"A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder, fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won, the hero comes back from this decisive victory with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man." Joseph CampbellThe Implicit Career Search provides a step by step method to help individuals achieve bliss in their work.

PURPOSE: What will I contribute through my work?

CRAFTSPERSON: What skills are required for the career I have chosen? How do I get them?

MANAGER: How will I make a living in this career and what kind of living do I want? How realistic is my plan? Will it meet my material needs? What are my material needs?

​LEADER: How can I work with others to achieve my vision and help them to achieve theirs? How do I begin to distinguish myself in my career?

EXPERT: What do I solve through my work?

​CREATOR: What do I do in a way that no one else does?​​​All captured in a well developed, attainable career plan.

The Implicit Career Search Workshop consists of 6 modules each consisting of a blend of scientific assessments, non-verbal exercises, movement and metaphor experiences, guided imageries, lecturettes and workbook explorations. Each module is designed to appeal to different learning types and strengths and to provide participants with the opportunity to try on different learning styles. All participation is voluntary and each participant is encouraged to participate at the level they find most effective for them. The coaching model has been designed using the same principles while adjusting the group exercises for individuals.

All ICS programs (workshops, coaching, etc.) cover these stages. The first five are designed to develop the Strategic Plan at Stage Six. Each of the first five stages are infinite in depth, they can never be fully completed. This means that the plan can always be improved upon.

​1. DECISION MAKINGBecome a more effective decision maker. Understand the impact of emotions and the unconscious on your decision making process. Decide how much you are in charge of your career plan.

2. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENTUse the internationally respected FIRO Theory to become increasingly flexible with your behaviours and feelings, reduce personal defensiveness. Become mentally and emotionally fitter and better prepared for the future of work.

3. PERSONAL DEFINITIONDecide who you will be before deciding what you will do. Write a Personal Mission statement. This will provide the foundation for the upcoming Work Purpose Statement.

4. CAREER DEFINITIONDetermine what the purpose of your work will be. What will be better about the world due to the work you do? Write a Work Purpose Statement.

5. CAREER DEVELOPMENTUse The Career Development Spectrum and implement the five stages of career development (Craftsperson-Manager-Leader-Ecpert-Creator).Learn how to use this formula to make your work more effective and fulfilling:FUN + DISCIPLINE = PASSIONPASSION + COURAGE = BLISS

​6. STRATEGIC PLANNINGThe whole point of the process. Develop a number of clear VISION stages, each one containing IMPLEMENTATION steps and CONTINGENCY plans.​

Steve is a true thought leader in the field of career development. His unique methodology takes the client to the core of his/her motivation and from there into each individual's true career path." Karin Zastrow, Zastrow Leadership, Employeeship and Productivity, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Thanks to Steve and his program I have been attending school for the past 9 months and loving it. I really do credit my attending Implicit Career Search to the fact that I was able to discover my next endeavour in life. Steve's program is fantastic, it inspired me and I watched it transform others as well. I was truly impressed with Steve's approach. He was connected and comfortable with the participants and was able to help many of us to move on to a satisfying career or education." Paris Winsor, Owner, Counsellor at Foothills Centre for Change, Addiction Treatment Centre, Salmon Arm, BC.

"The Implicit Career Search will not tell you what you should be should you decide to grow up. Instead it will teach you how to plan for your future with an approach that will keep you constantly ahead of the upcoming shifts in the world of work. You will complete your ICS experience with the vision and clarity of a leader and a plan that will see you become an expert and creator in your chosen field." Steve

, I have both attended Steve's workshops and worked briefly with Steve on the launch of his then new course workbook. I instantly knew Steve was a man of integrity and knowledge - he has a deep understanding of human nature and behavior, applying this to a ground breaking and unique career development training program that is a 'must do' course for everyone seeking to understand themselves better and applying that to their career path! Rather than the old fashioned 'I score high in math, I should be an accountant' type principle, Steve's program delves deeper into self discovery and uncovering your life's purpose.....something Steve believes lies within all of us.....available for those who have the courage to unleash their full potential! ​I highly recommend Steve's work." Sally Keasler,Co-founder Helvetia Harvest​​, Portland, Oregon